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Discover the Grésivaudan Valley

The Grésivaudan Valley, surrounded by the Belledonne and Chartreuse massifs and often described by Louis XII as “the most beautiful garden in France”, is a veritable jewel nestled in the heart of the southern Alps. This glacial valley, located between Grenoble and Chambéry and bordered by the Isère river, offers grandiose landscapes and a rich history steeped in cultural and historical heritage, as well as a flourishing industrial past and a dynamic presence in new technologies.

An exceptional natural setting

The Grésivaudan Valley is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The many hiking trails offer breathtaking panoramas, allowing you to admire the diversity of the Alpine landscape. Cycling enthusiasts will also find something to suit them, thanks to the cyclo-tourism itineraries that criss-cross the Chartreuse and Belledonne balconies.

Natural lakes dotted around the valley, such as Lac de la Terrasse, invite bathing and water sports activities in summer, while nearby ski resorts such as Les 7 Laux and Le Collet d’Allevard offer downhill and cross-country skiing in winter.

A cultural heritage steeped in history

The Grésivaudan Valley is packed with historical treasures that bear witness to its rich past. History buffs can visit Fort Barraux, an ancient 17th-century military fortress, or the Tour d’Avalon, a medieval vestige offering a breathtaking panorama of the valley.

The Château du Touvet, with its splendid gardens, is another site not to be missed.

These historic monuments, listed as national heritage sites, bear witness to the valley’s evolution over the centuries.

Innovation and technological development

In addition to its cultural heritage, the Grésivaudan Valley is also renowned for its economic and technological dynamism. The region is home to several research and innovation centers specializing in microelectronics, nanotechnologies and engineering sciences.

Internationally renowned companies such as ST Microelectronics and Soitec contribute to the valley’s reputation in the high-tech sector. The Inovallée technology park, located in Meylan and Montbonnot-Saint-Martin, is a veritable breeding ground for innovation, bringing together start-ups and research laboratories.

Terroir and authentic agriculture

The Grésivaudan valley offers an idyllic setting where agriculture flourishes despite the predominance of industry. Here, dairy farms rub shoulders with market gardening and cereal growing, while livestock provide quality products, anchoring agriculture at the heart of the valley’s identity.

The fertile soils and picturesque villages of the Grésivaudan valley bear witness to its rural heritage. During the 19th century, the rise of industry saw the emergence of a class of worker-peasants, cultivating the land while carrying out craft activities. Today, this heritage lives on in a multitude of farms, where tradition and modernity combine harmoniously.

The gastronomic richness of the Grésivaudan valley stems from its privileged location between Isère and Savoie. Local farmers and producers offer a diverse range of quality products, the region’s culinary jewels: nuts, fruit, vegetables, cereals, cheeses and more. Many of the valley’s farms specialize in livestock production, emphasizing quality over quantity. By opting for complete processing circuits, they add artisanal value to their products. The transformation of milk into cheese, the cutting of meat and the production of charcuterie are all testimony to this commitment to excellence.

Faced with a growing demand for proximity and authenticity, more and more producers are turning to direct sales channels. Around a third of farms have adopted this approach, offering local consumers and visitors a unique taste experience. Products from the Grésivaudan valley can be found directly on farms, at local markets or in producers’ outlets, contributing to a thriving local economy.

Some farmers even go so far as to diversify their activities by offering tourist accommodation, such as gîtes or inns, giving visitors the opportunity to discover life on the farm and sample local delicacies in an authentic, friendly setting.

Accessibility and mobility

Accessibility and mobility in the Grésivaudan valley are facilitated by a comprehensive and varied transport network. The valley has a bus network serving all 43 communes, ensuring efficient connectivity for residents and visitors alike. What’s more, it is part of the Syndicat Mixte des Mobilités de l’Aire Grenobloise (SMMAG), which means it is directly connected to the Greater Grenoble Region and benefits from an extensive transport network.

Experiences Living in the area

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